15 minute read
Quotes from the media
THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES STAND AGAINST ABUSE ON SAFEGUARDING SUNDAY
On [Sunday 20 November], more than 2,000 churches across the UK [pledged] their commitment to protecting vulnerable people in their congregations and show what they are doing to make their churches safer.
In the wake of reports from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) … the national Safeguarding Sunday campaign will help churches across all denominations to learn from past safeguarding failings and ensure they are safe for everyone.
The event [was] organised by Christian safeguarding charity Thirtyone:eight, and [coincided] with the start of National Safeguarding Adults Week (21–27 November).
Justin Humphreys, joint chief executive at Thirtyone:eight, said, ‘Recent reports have highlighted the massive failings of our Church institutions over the years. While we cannot and should not ignore abuse that has happened within the Church, we know many churches and faith ministries want to do this right… Protecting the vulnerable is the heart of the Christian message of justice and hope. Safeguarding is not a tick box exercise, ensuring people have a voice, feel protected and safe should be a vital part of our culture.’
Thirtyone:eight
SALVATIONIST
salvationist.org.uk/magazine Issue No 1886
EDITOR Major Mal Davies
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey
ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips
PROOFREADER Chris Horne
Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909.
FOOD BANKS FACE ‘TSUNAMI OF NEED’ TRUSSELL TRUST WARNS
Food banks are facing a ‘tsunami of need’, says the Trussell Trust, which has handed out a record number of almost 1.3 million emergency parcels over the past six months…
The charity, which runs more than 1,300 food bank centres around the UK, says that it faces ‘breaking point’ both physically and mentally, as its volunteers prepare for its busiest winter yet, and levels of need outstrip donations. They expect to provide an average of more than 7,000 emergency food parcels daily.
The chief executive, Emma Revie, said... ‘We are expecting that this winter will be the hardest yet for food banks and the people they support.’
Church Times
END ‘CHILDISH LOGIC’ OF WAR, SAYS FRANCIS
Pope Francis condemned the ‘childish logic of war’ at [a] general audience, renewing his appeal to pray for ‘the tormented Ukraine’ and other regions afflicted by war.
His latest call for dialogue and peace follows a meeting … with the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, their first since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February…
The Pope said that the ‘insane war’ would only end ‘through the mild force of dialogue’. He spoke of other wars, in Syria, Yemen and Myanmar.
The Tablet
7 MILLION UK ADULTS ENGAGE WITH CHURCH THROUGH COMMUNITY PROJECTS SAYS NEW POLL
More than seven million people have had contact with their local church for community support services such as food banks, parent toddler groups and lunch clubs, according to a new survey for the Church of England.
Polling by Savanta ComRes shows that 30 per cent of those in contact with their local church – or 13.7 per cent of all UK adults – have done so through community services…
The findings come after Church of England statistics from 2019 show its churches running or supporting 35,000 social action projects…
The Bishop of Durham, Paul Butler, who speaks for the bishops in the House of Lords on welfare issues, said… ‘Jesus’s commandment to love your neighbour as yourself is evident in the care and service provided by churches in so many ways…
Premier
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Peace in our time
WHILE the season of Advent is more strongly observed in Catholic and Orthodox traditions, it is also noted in Protestant churches and, increasingly so, in The Salvation Army. From the Latin word adventus (meaning ‘to come’ or ‘arrival’), Advent is a time of preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth, and it starts this Sunday, the fourth Sunday before Christmas.
It would be a shame if, through December, we were busy, busy, busy, then got to the 25th and celebrated Christ’s birth, and then just resumed our daily lives. The arrival of God in human form – the Saviour, the Messiah, the Christ – deserves more than a day’s focus. So I encourage you to use your Advent well. Make it a time to really focus on why the arrival of Jesus was such a history-changing event, and who Jesus is to you.
On page 9 of this issue, we have the first of a series of Advent articles with a focus on peace. Major Malcolm Martin reflects on Psalm 46:10 – ‘Be still and know that I am God’ – and speaks of the assurance we have that God is God and is in control. This assurance can provide us with a deep sense of peace.
The theme is picked up on pages 10 and 11, where we include testimonies from six territorial envoys. Julia Attwood, at Saffron Walden Corps, says that she wrestled with God about the decision to become a territorial envoy, but says that when she did she was ‘filled with peace’ and adds: ‘I know I am where God wants me to be. I put my whole life into his hands and trust him to lead me every day.’
Andrea Hopkins, at Shrewsbury Corps, says something similar: ‘I am so blessed in being just where God wants me to be. There is so much peace in knowing that God has his way and that finally I am where he always planned, doing his will.’
On pages 12 and 13 we read of a different sense of peace. Major Edwina Cussen, a chaplain to two Lifehouses in Reading, speaks of the clients they sometimes assist, and also of the staff community who aim to ‘provide more than a place to stay’.
She says: ‘There are challenging times – very few people thrive on community living and this can lead to tension. But, with a cool head and a calm heart, there is nothing that cannot be brought to a good conclusion.’
‘A calm heart’ – what a lovely phrase. In times when peace is challenged in Europe, when tensions are rising over our economy, when we are still moving out of a global pandemic and when there is uncertainty over how to pay the heating bill, it can be hard to have ‘a calm heart’. But we look to Jesus for our hope.
And that’s what Advent is all about: looking to Jesus. Isaiah 9:6 and 7 say: ‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.’
As we commence Advent, we look forward to again celebrating the arrival of the Prince of Peace among us.
CONTENTS
Quotes from the media 2
News 4 to 8
Prayer matters 8
Advent reflection 9
Stop! Be still!
by Major Malcolm Martin
Territorial envoys 10 and 11 take the lead
We are The 12 and 13 Salvation Army
We are more than a place to stay
by Major Edwina Cussen
Bible study 14 and 15
Look forward in hope
by Lieutenant Nazia Yousaf
Through the week 14 and 15 with Salvationist
by Lieut-Colonel Brenda Oakley
Territorial structure update 16
by Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant
Preview 17
Ring the bells!
by Major Mal Davies
Announcements 18
Adverts 19
MAJOR MAL DAVIES
Editor Salvationist
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS
Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
MEETING
KIRKWALL Members wore clothes that represented their cultures in a special meeting celebrating the diversity of the corps. A host of different languages were used for songs, prayers and Bible readings. Everyone enjoyed a tasty lunch that included food from around the world. Members also followed the Nigerian tradition of dancing to the offering plate – and fully intend to do this again! – SS FUNDRAISING
Heckmondwike Corps receives a £10,000 grant from Tesco to support Christmas toy and food parcels
ECUMENICAL
NORTH LONDON Divisional Commander Lieut-Colonel David Shakespeare attended a breakfast meeting of the London Senior Church Leaders. The Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Great Britain, Archbishop Nikitas, welcomed His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of Eastern Orthodox Christians worldwide, who spoke of the need to work together on matters of the environment and social justice. Following this he was presented to the King at Buckingham Palace. – DS
EVENT REMEMBRANCE FUNDRAISING
SALISBURY The corps Re-Cycles bike project has been awarded £1,000 from the Marks & Spencer charitable trust. This is in recognition of the project’s achievement as a new and innovative social enterprise start-up. Re-Cycles has been running for 18 months and already found homes for more than 300 pre-loved bikes, raising valuable funds for the corps and helping link volunteer participants in its Employment Plus scheme with the community. The £1,000 award will be spent on cycle stands and tools to enable the enterprise to scale up as demand increases. – MD
PRESENTATION PRESENTATION
KIRKWALL Retired Corps Secretary Margaret Stanger transferred to the songster reserve after more than 50 years of joyful singing. She is pictured with corps officer Lieutenant John Mitchinson and Songster Leader Andrew Stanger, who presented her with a certificate and a bouquet of flowers. – SS
FUNDRAISING ANNIVERSARY
HAMILTON Corps officer Captain Wendy Leisk and number one on the roll Recruiting Sergeant Mary Howie cut a cake to celebrate the 137th corps anniversary. Major Joan Gibson conducted the meeting and encouraged the congregation to be positive for the future and have faith, like Caleb and Joshua going forwards to the Promised Land. – WL SWADLINCOTE Corps folk, friends, officers and volunteers celebrated the retirement of corps officer Major John Parrott after 26 years of ministry. Divisional Mission Enablers Majors Jenny and Steve Forman led the meeting and Corps Secretary Pat Turner, accompanied by Swadlincote’s newest soldier, Brian Jenkin, paid tribute to Major John’s remarkable and tireless work. After a presentation on behalf of the corps, the service concluded with a buffet. Corps officer Major Marjory Parrott will continue her ministry at the corps. – JP
COMMUNITY
Waitrose community champion Deborah Barnes presents Chippenham corps officer Captain Sandra Hall and Corps Treasurer Major Jackie Dixon with £500 towards the Big Collection
EVENT
GLASGOW CITY CENTRE Local officers and leaders from 17 corps across the division met at the corps to share in fellowship, worship and thanksgiving. The event, organised by West Scotland DHQ, recognised and honoured the selfless service of many people during the Covid-19 pandemic. Divisional Commander Major Ray Brown thanked all present – and the countless people they represented – for their commitment and dedication in meeting the needs of their communities. Divisional Leader for Leader Development Major Pat Brown led a time of reflection to highlight what people had learnt from the Covid-19 pandemic and testify to God’s grace and mercy. – DL PRESENTATION
Barton-upon-Humber Home League Secretary Hazell Bushell transfers to the songster reserve after more than 20 years’ service
ECUMENICAL
NEWCASTLE CITY TEMPLE A farewell meeting with Brunswick Methodist church looked back with thanksgiving and forward with hope, in a final joint service before moving to the new hall. It was a service of mixed emotions, but mostly gratitude for the hospitality of Brunswick – who hosted the corps for 14 years – and for the faithfulness of God. A particularly emotional moment was when the flag departed as the band played ‘Emblem of the Army’. – BI WELLING Over the Halloween period the corps handed out more than 200 light bags to friends, family or neighbours. Each bag contained a glow stick, a short story about being the light, stickers, a bookmark and some sweets. The corps are praying that these 200 ‘flickers’ will grow stronger and will become permanent sources of light within the community. – KS
CHIPPENHAM Virgin Media donated slow cookers and food starter packs to the food bank. These will help families cook more economically with the rise in utility costs. Virgin Media community leaders Vicki and Jack presented the cookers to corps officer Captain Sandra Hall and Community Support Worker Kerry-Anne Bunce after visiting the food bank. – JD
ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY
WOKING The 125th corps anniversary began with a concert by Friary Band, arranged by Major John Martin in support of the Big Collection. It included an arrangement of music by George Gershwin and Irving Berlin, with Joe Childs narrating, and Chris Straker and Sam Noden playing euphonium duet ‘Softly As I Leave You’. Ann and Doug Beattie led Sunday worship, reminding the congregation they were all valuable. Coffee and cake followed. Pictured are Major Ted Benneyworth, corps officers Majors David and Margaret House, Doug and Ann, number one on the roll Gill Gregory, Major John and Major Freda Benneyworth. – MH
OUTREACH
EDINBURGH CITY Majors Mal and Tracey Davies (THQ and WBC) led the 140th corps anniversary at Ashbrook. The day was themed Who Am I? and included teaching, reflection, food and fellowship. The young people made video profiles of everyone who attended for a film marking 2022 in the corps history book. The majors led the congregation in worship on Sunday, challenging everyone to stay close to God. – JG
REMEMBRANCE
BOGNOR REGIS The corps hosted the Music Man Project, which generated a lot of interest in the community. More than 60 people of all ages attended for a day of fun together. The event was part of the corps vision focus, including an inclusion group that seeks to ensure the corps continues working towards including everyone. – AH
ECUMENICAL
MARKET RASEN Twenty people attended the first in a series of Alpha courses, in a joint venture with Methodist Church leader the Rev Heather Wilson. The initiative came about due to new folk joining the corps, becoming adherents and wanting to explore and go deeper into their Christian faith. A shared meal and discussions considered topics of faith, church and evangelism. The event was also supported by members of local Anglican and Methodist congregations. – GB MEETING
SOUTHAMPTON SHOLING Although depleted by Covid-19, Cameo Sunday was a lively affair led by Major Fred Thompson. The Cameo choir sang, the timbrelists performed and the band contributed. The message was presented clearly and there was much mirth along the way. – SC Ipswich Citadel presents a display in the foyer to remind passers-by of the sacrifices made by so many people in so many wars
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REMEMBRANCE
Ipswich Citadel Band provide music at a Remembrance Sunday service in Christchurch Park
PRESENTATION FUNDRAISING
IPSWICH BRAMFORD ROAD The corps held a quiz and an afternoon tea, which raised £80 for the Big Collection. People connected with weekday activities also attended, which was a great encouragement to everyone. – HC
COMMUNITY
SWINDON CITADEL The corps has started a Singing by Heart group, which aims to embrace people living with dementia. – KS
REMEMBRANCE
BRISTON Thirty people took part in a Remembrance Sunday meeting led by Ken Finn, including Bible readings, songs and thoughts based on the theme of Peace. Before Ian Richardson (Norwich Mile Cross) sounded the Last Post, the congregation was invited to light candles in remembrance. The table was adorned with the flag of Saint George, the Ukrainian flag and the Union Jack, upon which candles spelling out ‘peace’ shone brightly. The singing group sang ‘Grant Us Thy Peace’. – MR
REMEMBRANCE
Cumbernauld Corps recognises the retirement of Cradle Roll Sergeant Lilly Gilgallon after fulfilling the role for almost 20 years
ANNIVERSARY
FELIXSTOWE The band presented an evening of Music for Remembrance. The congregation sang hymns, including ‘I Vow to Thee My Country’. A challenging Bible message was given by corps officer Captain Paul Williams. The exhortation was spoken by Major David Squirrell and the Last Post and Reveille were sounded by Bandsman Kevin Harrold. The evening concluded with tea and light refreshments. – DA HAROLD HILL Genesis 28:16 – ‘Surely the Lord is in this place’ – encapsulated the celebratory mood as corps folk celebrated the 20th anniversary of the corps being replanted. Also present was Christian comedian and magician Tom Elliott, who shared several tricks and his testimony of how Jesus brings him life in all its fullness. Helen Youseff and her band led inspiring worship. The celebrations continued on Sunday, led by Divisional Commander Major Jane Cowell (Yorkshire North with Tees), with testimonies by Liz Haskew and David Vaz and worship led by Romford worship band. – PG
